The Home Office has pledged to scrap Dog Control Orders, which regulate practices for owners and tackle issues such as irresponsible or anti-social ownership of canines.
In a recent law change, the government has decided to penalise owners who violate rules with a Public Spaces Protection Order and other injunctions, replacing the old Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO).
However, the new legislation, which was outlined in the government’s recent Anti-Social Behaviour White Paper, entitled ‘Putting Victims First’, has received mixed reactions from animal welfare charities.
The Kennel Club, the UK's largest organisation dedicated to dog health, has released a statement expressing its disappointment with the measure, criticising the government for not consulting them before deciding on the new laws.
Kennel Club secretary Caroline Kisko is urging the Home Office to re-think the proposals in favour of extending the Dog Control Notices which are currently in place in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
